ENGLISH sistS:CSS—C—C—CS——S A LETTER TO GOD ~Summary~ x00d Harvest Lencho's Hope of Lencho was a farmer who lived on the crest (peak) of a low hill with his family. His was the only house in the entire valley. His field was full of ripe corn and easily visible from the house. He was eagerly waiting for a good rain to have a good harvest so he could earn money for his family. Turning of Lencho's Hopeinto Despair As Lencho hoped, it started raining at the time of supper (dinner) which gave Lencho a ray of hope. He was extremely delighted to see that. He compared the raindrops with silver coins which shows his joy. But soon his joy turned into despair as the rain changed into hailstones which ruined the crops. The field had been covered with snow like a layer of white salt. Lencho was worried for his family. Lencho's Firm Belief in God Though Lencho was a poor farmer and had lost all his crops, he had firm faith in God. He found in God his last hope and decided to write a letter to God for help. He asked God to send him a hundred pesos so that he could sow his field again and support his family until the new crops were harvested. He also wrote that if God didn't help him, his family would die of hunger. He told the teacher that he should not spread the poison of social inequality and communal intolerance in the minds of innocent children, The teacher accepted his mistake. The Postmaster's Reaction to Lencho's Letter After reading Lencho's letter to God, the postmaster laughed but soon realised that Lencho had firm faith in God and his belief should not be shaken. So, he decided to help Lencho with the help of his post office employees. He collected seventy pesos and handed the envelope to Lencho himself in which he also contributed a part of his salary. (2)CSCS Lencho Addresses the Post Office Employees 'A Bunch of Crooks' Lencho became angry when he saw seventy pesos in the envelope as he had demanded a hundred pesos. He did not believe that God could do such a mistake and send him less money. So, he decided to write a letter again for the rest of money. In this letter, he requested God not to send the rest of the money through the money order because he thought that the post office employees were a ‘bunch of crooks' who might have stolen his money. @)- LONG WAI NELSON MAND! ENGLISH CHAPTER 2: NELSON MANDELA - LONG WALK TO FREEDOM LANGUAGE fee) tt a)NELSON MANDELA —- LONG WALK TO FREEDOM ~Summary~ The Inauguration It was 10th May, the day of oath with a bright and shiny sun. Nelson Mandela was supposed to take oath as the first black President of South Africa. A large number of leaders all from around the world had gathered there to be the witness of the swearing-in ceremony of Nelson Mandela as the first black President. The inauguration ceremony took place in a big open building in Pretoria where the first democratic non-racial government was to be installed. The Swearing-in Ceremony of Nelson Mandela Nelson Mandela was accompanied by his daughter Zenani. Mr de Klerk was the first person who took oath as second Deputy President followed by Mr Thabo Mbeki who was sworn as the first Deputy President of South Africa. Nelson Mandela who was sworn as the first black President of South Africa. He pledged to obey and uphold the Constitution and to devote himself to the well-being of the people. He also promised to make the nation free from poverty, deprivation, suffering and all sort of discrimination. Display of the Military Power by South African Jets When Mandela had taken oath, South African jets displayed the military power. It also showed the loyalty of military to democracy. The highest military generals saluted him. He recounted that they would have arrested him many years before. It was followed by the playing of two national anthems. The whites sang 'Nkosi Sikelel' the old song and the blacks sang 'Die Stem’ the new song which marked the end of the ceremony. Apartheid and South Africa Nelson Mandela reminiscences (remembers) about days gone by which will soon be the part of history where the whites had formed a system of racial dominance against the blacks. It was the basis of the harsh societies which is now overturned. He says that the policy of apartheid (policy of racial segregation) created a deep and lasting wound on his country and its people. (2)Now it is the system that recognised the rights and freedom of all people. Regret of Mandela and Remembrance of Freedom Fighters On the auspicious day, Mandela regretted the loss of thousands of people and remembered their sacrifices for the freedom from discrimination. He thought of himself as the sum of all those African patriots who sacrificed their lives before him. He was pained that he couldn't thank them. He recalled great freedom fighters like Oliver, Tambos, Walter Sisulu, Chief Luthuli, Yusuf Dadoo etc who were the men of uncommon courage, wisdom and generosity. He said that the country is rich in minerals but its greatest wealth is its people. Goodness and Duties ofa Man The author says that being white or black is not the token of your goodness or superiority. No one is born hating other, people should love one another which comes without force as it is natural. It is man's essential goodness. A man has to perform duties to his family, community and country which he didn't see in his country before he pushed himself to fight for the blacks. A black man was punished if he tried to live like a human being and forced to live apart from his own people. So, he was not allowed to perform his duties to his family. Meaning of Freedom by Mandela As a kid, Mandela had different meaning for being free as he wanted to run in the fields and wanted to stay out at night. As he grew older, he wanted the freedom of livelihood for himself and his family. But soon he realised that such freedom was only an illusion. He realised that his brothers and sisters who looked like him were not free, so he joined African National Congress (ANC), His hunger for freedom became great for the freedom of his people. He desired that everyone should be given the right to live his life with dignity and respect. He wanted the oppressor and the oppressed to be liberated. As no one is free if one is taking someone else's freedom. Only such feelings can bring true freedom for everyone.ENGLISH CHAPTER)3: TWO STORIES ABOUT FLYING a)a, TWO STORIES ABOUT FLYIN ~Summary~ This story is about a family of seagulls. There was a young child in the family who was unable to fly even after several tries. The story highlights the importance of family and friends in one's life. It also gives the message that one needs to believe in self to overcome all the hurdles of own life. The Seagull Family The seagull family consists of six seagulls-mother, father, three sons and one daughter. All of them except the youngest son are expert in flying high. His parents have tried several times to teach him how to fly but he is scared to do that and does not want to try anymore. He relies on the food that his parents bring back from their flights. Young Seagull's Fear of Flying The youngest son is afraid of flying as he thinks that if he flies, his wings would not support him and he would fall down in the sea below and drown. Even his parents have rebuked him. They even threatened him if he doesn't fly, he would die of hunger, but he does not try. Parents Leave Young Seagull Alone After so many failed attempts, his parents leave him alone on the rock without food. They even taunt him for his cowardice. The young seagull looks at his brothers and sister enjoying swimming, diving in the sea water for fish to feed themselves, but no one comes near him to offer food. Hunger and Heat Increase (2)a, As the time passes, the young seagull could not tolerate the hunger and the heat. He moves closer to the ledge and pretends to fall asleep but nobody takes notice of him. His brothers and sister have already had hearty breakfast and father seems busy in admiring and cleaning the feathers on his back. The mother looks at him and tries to tempt him with pieces of fish. His begging and crying does not affect her. Young Seagull Dives for Food The young seagull was very hungry. He was surprised enough at his mother's ignorance of his pitiful condition. Thus, he dives for food. He begins to fall down with a scream as soon as he dives. Flight Begins The young seagull begins to fall in the sea. He is afraid of drowning, so he tries to spread his wings outwards and begins flying. He feels a little dizzy but all his fear vanished (disappeared). He soars slowly downwards and upwards. He could finally fly on his own. Joy of Flight and Reunion of Family The seagull becomes so happy and soars higher calling ‘ga, ga, ga’. It was really a joyous moment for the whole family; his brothers and sister along with his parents come near to encourage and cheer him. The young seagull successfully made his first flight, The Trip to England The narrator was flying his aeroplane at night over France to England. He was eager to meet his. family. He was dreaming of his holiday. The stars were shining in the clear sky. Even the city- Paris could be seen down below. He called Paris Control to get instructed about the way. He was instructed to turn 12 degrees West. Fear of StormEverything was going well before he saw the storm clouds and Paris was about 150 kilometres behind him. It was natural for the narrator to panic. He knew that it was not possible to fly up and over those storm clouds. He was confused for a moment. A Risky but Brave Decisiomof the Author As everything was fearful at the moment, the narrator decided to risk and flew into the storm, but everything went out of control. The compass as well as other instruments stopped working. He was unable to see outside the plane as the plane was jumping and twisting in the air. He tried to contact Paris Control but couldn't. He was lost in the storm. A Black Aeroplane Appeared Suddenly, the narrator saw another black aeroplane in the storm by his side without lights on its wings. It seemed strange to him but he was glad to see another person in the storm. The pilot of another plane waved at him and signalled to follow so he did that because he did not have other option except it, A Safe Landing The narrator flew for half an hour which was quite strange to him as he had fuel only for five or ten minutes. He felt fearful but suddenly he saw two bright lines in front of him. It was a runway. He was able to land safely which gave him a sigh of relief. It was just like a miracle for him. The Greatest Surprise The narrator came out from his plane to thank the pilot of the black aeroplane but he was shocked to see no one there. He went to Control Tower and asked the woman about the place and the black aeroplane. Hearing his words the woman laughed and said that there was no other aeroplane except his. It was a big surprise to the narrator. He was dumb founded as he had no explanation for the miracle.In the chapter — Two Stories About Flying, there are two stories that teach us that inner strength and determination is necessary to overcome fear. Having the courage to face tough situations helps us to overcome complex situations in our lives.ENGLISH CHAPTER 4: FROM THE DAIRY OF ANNE FRANK a)ue FROM THE DAIRY OF ANNE FRANK ~Summary~ Anne Frank's First Entry in the Diary Anne Frank, a thirteen year old girl, was gifted a diary by her father. So, she decided to write in her diary which she considered to be her best friend in loneliness and named it 'Kitty'. She began writing in June 1942. In her first entry, she expressed her desire to confide everything to the diary as she hadn't been able to do so to anyone else. She felt that paper had more patience than people. Secondly she thought that nobody would be interested in her diary as she was a small girl. Her Childhood and Family Anne called her father the most adorable person. He was 36 when he married her mother, who was just 25. She had an older sister Margot. She had about 30 people around her but she had no true friend. They lived in Frankfurt for some time but as they were Jewish, they had to migrate to Holland for refuge. Anne's Schooling She was sent to a Montessori nursery school. She stayed there until she was six. At her farewell, she and her headmistress Mrs Kuperus had tears in their eyes. Her Grandmother's Death In the summer of 1941, her grandmother fell ill. She had to be operated upon but she died in January 1942, It gave Anne a shock and she did not write her diary in that period, but after that she wrote again as she thought of her grandmother's love and affection. Her View About Teachers (2)Anne was not good at Maths so she and her friends were always worried about it, but she was sure that she would go to the next class. She always considered teachers to be the most unpredictable creatures on the earth. So she told her friends not to lose hope. Punishment by Mr Keesing Anne was a good student and had a good relationship with all the teachers except Mr Keesing, who taught her Maths. He was always annoyed by her talkative nature. He used to give her extra homework as punishment. He asked her to write an essay on "A Chatterbox’. He also put a slip of it on her bag to remind her about it. Completion of Homework Anne was unable to understand what she could write in the essay. She started writing to consider it the necessity. She wrote the three pages for her satisfaction. She defined it as a feature of a student and also mentioned that she inherited this trait from her mother who also used to talk much. Homework given as Punishment Again Mr Keesing read Anne's essay in front of class and laughed at it. He gave her another essay as a punishment on the topic ‘An Incorrigible Chatterbox' and ‘Quack, Quack, Quack, Said Mistress Chatterbox’. Anne Mocks Mr Keesing Amusingly with her Homework Anne wanted to write something interesting and different this time. So, with the help of her friend Sanne who was good at poetry, she wrote an essay in verse. It was about three ducklings going dead because their father duck bit them as they quacked too much. Mr Keesing took the joke in the right way and didn't bother Anne for talking after that incident. She was not even given any extra homework after that.ENGLISH auv-SC_ THE HUNDRED DRESSES - 1 ~Summary~ Wanda Petronski and Her Classmates It was Monday, Wanda was absent but nobody noticed in the class. She did not have too many friends in the class because she was a very shy and quiet girl. She always preferred to sit in the corner of the class. She came from Boggins Heights, where poor people lived. Her parents were Polish who left Poland to settle down in America Thinking of Classmates about Wanda Wanda's classmates thought of her only when they came out of the class and waited to tease her but she was absent. Wanda did not come to school on Tuesday as well Peggy and Maddie Peggy and Maddie were close friends. Peggy was the most popular girl in the school. She was pretty and intelligent. Maddie, her friend, was a poor girl. They always teased Wanda. They stayed after the school to mock Wanda but they noticed that she was absent. Girls Made Fun of Wanda After being teased by other girls, Wanda lied of having a hundred dresses and sixty pairs of shoes in her closet. This lie became a game for others and everybody in the class wanted her to describe her dresses for them everyday. Peggy and Maddie derived pleasure in her discomfort. Mor of Peggy Peggy, the most popular girl of the school, was very pretty. She always teased Wanda but she was not cruel. She never behaved cruelly with anyone not even with animals. If somebody asked her, she always said that Wanda was not an ordinary person but wanted her to describe the hundred dresses (2)av More of Maddie Maddie, a poor girl, was very close friend of Peggy. She felt bad for Wanda as everybody teased her. She wore different dresses given by rich family. She feared that one day all the girls would be fed-up of Wanda and she would become their next target. Maddie's Note to Peggy about Wanda One day Maddie decided to write a note to Peggy, asking her not to tease Wanda anymore. Later, she tore it up, thinking that she might be angry with her and would tease her. She thought about Wanda's discomfort. She thought about how Wanda had described her blue and green velvet dress with each little detail and her thoughts got diverted to upcoming drawing contest. The Drawing Competition Next day, it was drizzling (raining lightly). Peggy and Maddie did not want to be late, so they did not wait for Wanda to tease her. There was a drawing competition for everyone in the class. Boys had to draw a motorboat and girls, a dress. Everybody thought of Peggy to win as she drew really well every time. Miss Mason Announced the Winner Everybody drew beautifully in the class in bright colours. The class had assembled and the class teacher Miss Mason announced the winners of the drawing contest. Jack Beggles was the winner among the boys and Wanda Petronski was the winner in girls, Everybody, specially the judges, were immensely impressed by her drawings and each of her drawing was capable of winning the contest individually. But Wanda was absent that day. Miss Mason showed her drawing to all the students. Her Classmates' Reaction Everybody in the class clapped for Wanda in joy. They found that all the dresses she used to describe were there, the green velvet one, the blue one and the red one also. The boys whistled with fingers in their mouth. Peggy said that she had thought she could draw the samev-SC_ This story is about the matter that doesn’t mistreat anyone for being different. This story is teaching everyone that we should never make fun of the unique differences of our fellow human beings and try to accept them as they are. (4)ENGLISH CHAPTER'6: THE HUNDRED DRESSES - II a)eee THE HUNDRED DRESSES - I ~Summary~ Letter to Miss Mason from Wanda's Father When everybody was praising Wanda's art and drawings of a hundred dresses drawn by her, a notice from the principal came. Everybody was asked to assemble. Miss Mason announced that she had a letter from Wanda's father and she would read it loudly before the class. Miss Mason Reads the Letter Miss Mason read the letter in which Mr Petronski, Wanda's father, told about Wanda's absence and informed that she was leaving the school because she was fed up of all the bullying that was going on. He informed that his family was going to settle in a big city, where people are not going to laugh or tease them for their name which everyone considered funny. Miss Mason's Reaction to the Letter When Miss Mason finished the letter, she understood the matter and asked everyone not to hurt anyone's feelings due to his or her name. She asked them to think about this matter. As Mr Petronski hadn't blamed anyone, the students of the class felt ashamed. Peggy and Maddie's Reaction When Miss Mason left the class, everybody was silent and feeling ashamed of their behaviour towards Wanda. Though Wanda's father hadn't blamed them but Peggy and Maddie were guilty of their behaviour. Maddie was very upset though she never teased Wanda directly. She remained a silent spectator and never stopped Peggy. Peggy who teased Wanda everytime also felt ashamed and both of them decided to go to her home to seek forgiveness. Repentance of Peggy and Maddie After the school was over, both Peggy and Maddie went to Wanda's house at Boggins Heights. Peggy still believed that she hadn't done any harm but Wanda had taken it otherwise. (2)av Wanda's house had a worn-down look but was neat and clean just like her faded blue dress. But the family had already left. Maddie was very upset and felt that she would never be able to express her gratitude to Wanda. A Friendly Letter to Wanda from Peggy and Maddie Peggy tried to defend herself although she felt sorry for her behaviour. She said if she hadn't teased Wanda about her hundred dresses, she would not have got such an idea to draw the dresses and won the contest. But Maddie decided that she would never be silent and oppose others against teasing anyone even if she had to loose her friend. They wrote a letter, telling Wanda about the result of drawing competition. They meant to ask forgiveness for their rude and mean behaviour by doing so. Wanda's Reply Maddie and Peggy waited long for Wanda's reply to their friendly letter. After few months, they got the reply addressed to Miss Mason. She asked Miss Mason to give the drawing of the green dress to Peggy and the blue one to Maddie. She told her that she had joined a new school but missed her old school and her teacher. Maddie ran through thoughts about the events and pinned the dress on her wall. She could see her face in that dress. She ran over to Peggy's home and they both looked at the green dress with red trimming so that they could see Pegey’s face in it. Maddie started to cry remembering all the insulting statements she passed for Wanda. Peggy consoled her. @)ENGLISH auQI —————, GLIMPSES OF INDIA ~Summary~ f' PART- I A Baker from Goa Bread Making in Goa This is a pen-portrait of the traditional Goan village baker, who is still remembered by Goans. Bread making started from the Portuguese days. They were the lovers of bread, Bread making was an art which needed perfection. Mixing, moulding and baking were the areas of specialisation of making bread. The loaves were baked in time tested furnaces. This profession has been continued by the baker's descendants. The Author's Childhood Days Recalled The author remembers his childhood days when the baker used to be their friend, companion and guide. He used to visit twice a day, once in the morning during his selling hours and then again while returning after selling all his bread. The jingling thud of the bamboo, he carried, woke them up in the morning and they ran to meet and greet him. They ran for getting the bread-bangles, which were a specially made sweet bread. Delivering the Loaves As the baker came, he would call out the lady of the house and wish her 'Good Morning’. The children would be pushed aside and the loaves would be delivered to the maid servant. The author recalls the aroma of loaves that filled the air. The children would not even brush their teeth and ate bread bangles made of bread with tea. Importance of Bread in Traditional Ceremonies The various kinds of bread were very important for all occasions. No marriage was complete until and unless the traditional bol was served. The lady of the house on the occasion of her daughter's engagement would prepare sandwiches and bolinhas would be prepared for Christmas and other festivals. (bol and bolinhas are the varieties of bread) (2)QI —————, The Baker's Dress The baker was usually dressed in a kabai, a long frock reaching down to the knees or a shirt and a trousers which were shorter than full-length ones and longer than half pants. Even today if anyone dares to go out in the streets wearing half pants, he is referred to as a pader (baker) Bread Making - A Profitable Profession The baker usually collected his bills at the end of the month. All the accounts were written on a wall in the premises with a pencil. It was a profitable profession during those days because Portuguese were lovers of fresh baked loaves. The baker, his family members and his servants looked prosperous and happy.QI —————, ( PART- I COORG Coorg - A Heavenly Place Coorg district of Karnataka lies between the towns of Mysore and Mangalore. It is like a heaven on Earth. It is inhabited by martial men, beautiful women and wild creatures. Weather and Environment of Coorg It is the smallest district of Karnataka. It consists of evergreen forests, spices and coffee plantations. The best season to visit Coorg starts in September and continues upto March. The weather in Coorg is pleasant during those months. People of Coorg The people here are possibly of Greek or Arabic descent. According to a legend, Alexander's army moved South along the coast and settled there only when they were unable to return to their country. These people married among the locals and their culture can be witnessed by their martial traditions, marriages and religious rites. The Kodavus (residents of Coorg) wear a long black coat with an embroidered waist belt. Known as Kuppia, it resembles Kuffia worn by the Arabs and the Kurds. Bravery Tales of Coorg Coorg people are well-known for their bravery. The Coorg Regiment is one of the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army. General Cariappa, the first Indian Army Chief, was a Coorgi. Even today, only the Kodavus are permitted to carry firearms without a licence. Wildli in Coorg Coorg is home to a large number of wild animals and birds. Mahaseer, a large freshwater fish, is found here. Kingfishers, squirrels and langurs live without any fear. Wild elephants enjoy being bathed and scrubbed in the river by their mahouts. The river Kaveri gets its water from the hills of Coorg. “QI —————, Coorg - A Tourist Place Even the laziest tourists become adventurous on coming to Coorg as it is full of adventure sports like river rafting, canoeing, rock climbing etc. The climb to Brahmagiri hills brings smiles to many faces as one can see the panoramic view of Coorg from there. Nature at its Best India's largest Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe is inhabited by monks in red, ochre and yellow robs. There are many more surprises waiting at Coorg for the tourists to discover. Reaching Coorg Coorg can be reached by road and by rail. If one prefers to go by air, then the nearest airports are Bangalore and Mangalore. By road, it is around 250-260 km from Bangalore.PART- I TEA FROM ASSAM Visit to Assam Rajvir and Pranjol are travelling to Assam by train as Pranjol has invited Rajvir to visit his home during the summer vacation. Rajvir is very excited to see the beautiful scenery of greenery and tea plantations outside. Rajvir tells Pranjol that over eighty crore cups of tea are drunk everyday throughout the world. The Beautiful Tea Gardens Rajvir looks at the scenery outside and is mesmerised by its beauty. The view from the train was also panoramic (a wide view). There was greenery outside. The soft green paddy fields gave way to tea bushes. Tea bushes spread as far as the eye could see. Legends about Discovery of Tea There are many legends about the discovery of tea. The Chinese legend says that when a few tea leaves accidentally fell into boiling water which the emperor tasted and liked, and tea making started. Indian legend tells that a Buddhist monk cut off his eyelids because he felt sleepy during meditations. Ten tea plants grew out of these eyelids. The leaves of these plants when put in hot water and drunk, drove away sleep. Chinese-the Tea Lovers Rajvir told Pranjol that tea was first drunk in China. Words like ‘chai’ and ‘chini' are of Chinese origin. From China, it spread to Europe and then to Asia, Earlier tea was drunk more as a medicine than as a beverage. Dhekiobori The boys alighted at Mariani junction. Soon, they were driving towards Shakambari, the tea garden managed by Pranjol's father. Groups of tea pluckers, with bamboo baskets on their (6)ve backs and wearing plastic aprons, plucking the newly sprouted leaves, could be seen everywhere. The best tea is obtained during the period of May to July. 7)ENGLISH CHAPTER 8: MIJBIL THE OTTER LANGUAGE COURSESv-S MIJBIL THE OTTER ~Summary~ Maxwell Decides to keep an Otter Maxwell travelled to Southern Iraq in 1956. He decided to keep an otter as a pet. As his native place of living, Camusfearna, had much water around so, an otter was suitable for the experiment. Maxwell and his friend Travel to Basra When Maxwell mentioned about his wish to keep an otter as a pet to his friend, he suggested him to take an otter from Tigris marshes as they are quite common there. They were going to Basra to collect their mails. The mail of his friend reached but his mail did not arrive Maxwell Mail Arrives and He Gets the Otter Maxwell sent a telegram to England as his mail had not arrived. For three days, there was no reply. He tried to make a phone call but due to some problems he was not able to get through. Finally, after five days his mail arrived. Once his mail arrived, he went to his room to read it. There, he saw two Arabs with an otter. They told that it was for him. Strangeness of the Otter The otter changed the life of Maxwell. The otter came on to the tiled floor from the sack (bag). At once, it appeared like a small dragon. From head to tail, his body was coated with mud. In between the mud, a velvet fur-like creature resembling a chocolate brown mole appeared. There was a lot of dust on his body. It took Maxwell a month's time to remove all the dust from his body, Domestication of the Otter Maxwell named the otter as Mijbil. In short, he was called Mij. For the first twenty-four hours, the otter was neither unfriendly nor friendly. He was aloof and indifferent. He kept on sleeping on the floor far from the bed. The second night, he came onto Maxwell's bed and slept in the (2)v-S crook of his knees. In the day, he kept a keen interest in his surroundings. Maxwell made a body belt for him. The otter liked playing in the water in the bathroom. Mijbil's Escape from the Bedroom Two days later, Mijbil escaped from Maxwell's bedroom. He went to the bathroom. He entered the bathtub and turned the tap on with his paws within minutes. Mijbil Becomes Friendly Within a very less time, he became very friendly. He followed Maxwell when he called his name. He spent most of the time in playing with the rubber ball. He played it like a soccer ball His favourite toys were the marbles. Taking Mijbil Back to Home Days passed peacefully at Basra. Maxwell had a fear of transporting Mij to England and then to Camusfearna. The British airlines would not fly animals. He booked a flight to Paris and then from there to London. The airlines told him to pack Mij in a box. He made a box for Mij. He put him inside the box before the flight so that he become habitual to it. Then Maxwell went to have lunch. The Otter and the Box When Maxwell came back after sometime, he was shocked to see a complete silence from the box. Blood was coming out from the airholes. He opened the box. He saw Mij covered with blood. Only 10 minutes were left for the flight and the airport was five miles away. He kept Mij inside the box and held the lid with his hands. Maxwell Leaves for Airport Maxwell sat in the car with the box beside him. The driver drove the car very fast. Just when the aircraft was about to take off, he was rushed through to it by the angry officials at the airport.wv Maxwell in the Aircraft Maxwell had booked the front seat for him. He covered the floor around his seat with newspapers. He gave the parcel of fish to the airhostess for the otter. She suggested him to keep the otter on his knees. bil Goes Out of the Box Mij was out of the box at once. He disappeared in the aircraft. There was a woman shouting, "A rat! A rat!" in fear. Maxwell tried to catch the otter but he failed. The airhostess told him to be seated and said that she would find the otter for him. Very soon the otter came near Maxwell and climbed on his knees. He started rubbing his face and neck with his nose. Mijbil Reaches London, Maxwell remained in London for almost a month. Mij kept on playing with ping-pong balls, marbles, rubber fruit and a terrapin shell that Maxwell had bought from the marshes. Mijbil Plays Outside the House Maxwell exercised Mij on a lead on the streets. Mij quickly developed certain habits during the walks on London streets. There was a primary school opposite to Maxwell's house. He would take Maxwell near the outer wall of it which was some two feet high. He would then gallop on to this. This distracted the students and the staff. The people in London were not able to recognise the otter and made wild guesses. (4)ENGLISH CHAPTER 9: MADAM RI. ulMADAM RIDES THE BUS ~Summary Valliammai and Her Pastime: Valliammai was a girl, who was known as Valli in short. She was eight years old. She wanted to know about new things. She had no one to play with her of her own age. So her favourite pastime was to stand in front of the door of her house. This always gave her new experiences. The bus that travelled from her street to the town fascinated her the most. Looking at the new passengers every time the bus gave an unending joy to Valli. Valli Wants to Travel in the Bus Everyday when Valli watched the bus, she wanted to travel in it. This wish became stronger day-by-day until it became a desire, She used to stare at the people while they got up and down the bus. If one of her friends went on a bus ride and described her about the bus journey, she became jealous of her and would shout. Valli Discovers Details About the Bus Journey For many days and months, Valli listened to the talks of her neighbours and people who went on the bus journey. She even asked them some questions since they were regular travellers. This way she was able to get even the minute details about the bus journey. The fare was 30 paise for one way and the trip to the town took 45 minutes. She kept on planning and calculating the things for a long time. Valli Takes the Bus Valli took the bus on a spring afternoon. There were only six to seven passengers in the bus. The bus was new with soft and luxurious seats. The conductor was a jolly sort of a person and asked Valli to get seated right up there in front. He addressed Valli as madam’, She started looking outside the bus and was attracted by the outside view. She could see the canal, the palm trees, grassland, distant mountains and the blue sky. A cow running towards the bus made her laugh and clap. The cow was not moving aside despite continuous honking by the driver. (2)v Valli Reaches the Town The bus reached the town after some time. Valli was seeing the bright shops and big crowd. She stayed in the bus while the other passengers got down. The conductor asked her to get down but she told him that she would go back in the same bus. She refused his offer of giving her a cold drink as a treat. The Return Journey Valli saw the same wonderful sights on the return journey. She wasn't bored and greeted everything with the same excitement she'd felt the first time. Suddenly, she saw a young cow lying dead by the road side. It was the same cow that was running towards the bus when she was going to town. She was filled with sadness on seeing her. The bus moved on but the thoughts of the dead cow haunted Valli. She no longer looked outside the window. When the bus reached her village at three forty, she ran straight for home. Her mother did not get to know of her secret journey. @)ENGLISH sly:CCSSt—“:SCS——S THE SARMON AT BENARES =Summary~ Buddha as a Prince Gautama Buddha was born as a prince named Siddhartha Gautama in Northern India. At twelve, he was sent for schooling in Hindu sacred scriptures. Four years later, he returned home and got married to a princess. They had a son. They lived a royal life for ten years Gautama Feels Sufferingsi6fithe World He was protected from the sufferings of the world. One day, he saw a sick man, an old man, a funeral procession and a monk begging for money and food. This moved Buddha and he then went out to seek enlightenment. Gautama Seeks Enlightenment He travelled aimlessly for seven years and then he stayed under a peepal tree until he attained enlightenment. After seven days, he got enlightened and renamed the tree as Bodhi Tree (Tree of Wisdom). There, he began to teach and share his knowledge and became known as Buddha. Buddha Gives his First Sermon Buddha preached his first sermon at the city of Benares. It is the holiest of the dipping places on the river Ganges. This sermon reflects Buddha's wisdom about the kind of suffering that is impossible to interpret. Kisa Gotami's Story Kisa Gotami had only one son who had died. She carried her dead son in her arms and went door to door asking for medicines for her dead child. The neighbours pitied her but could not help her as her son was dead. They were as helpless as Kisa and couldn't go against the will of God. Finally, somebody suggested that she should go to the Sakyamuni, the Buddha. Kisa Gotami went to meet Gautama Buddha. Gautama told her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a house where death had never knocked at the door. Kisa thought that it was a very easy (2)Ly: task. She went to all the houses in the village but couldn't find a single house where death had not taken a beloved away. She sat down, hopeless and tired. She soon realised that she was being very selfish in her grief. Death is common to all. Buddha's Reply to Kisa Gotami The life of morals is troubled, brief and combined with pain. It is not possible to avoid death. As the ripe fruits are in danger of falling, as the earthen vessels made by the potter break, similarly the mortals have the danger of death. Wise men and fools, all fall in the power of death. Only the wise do not grieve and they accept the reality. All weeping and grieving will bring more pain and sufferings to the body. One, who is composed, will obtain peace of mind and will be free from sorrow and be blessed. @)ENGLISH slVV ~~ THE PROPOSAL ~Summary Lomoy at Chubukov's House The play begins with the scene set in Chubukov's house. Lomov comes there and meets Chubukov. Chubukov is extremely happy to meet him. He asks him to sit down and also enquires why he was wearing an evening dress. Lomov tells him that he has come there with a purpose. He tells him that he wants to request him about something. Suddenly he gets excited. Chubukov feels that he must have come to borrow money from him. Lomov starts to speak and talks about random things. Finally, he tells Chubukov that he has come there to ask for Natalya's hand. Chubukov gets excited at hearing this. Chubukov's Reaction to the Proposal Chubukov gets so happy that he starts to behave idiotically. He hugs Lomov and kisses him. Lomov tells Chubukov that he wants his consent for the marriage. Chubukov tells him that he was always hoping that he would come to ask for Natalya's hand. Lomoy Thinks About Natalya and his Life Lomov starts trembling due to overexcitement. He says that if he would have looked for a perfect partner he would have never got one and would have remained unmarried. He feels that Natalya is a good housekeeper. He says that she is not bad-looking and is very well educated. He feels he is already too old to get married and now he should lead a quiet and regular life. He starts to jump like a mad person. Talk Between Lomov and Natalya Natalya comes and asks Lomov why he had not come there for a long time. She informs Lomov about the harvest. She asks him why he was dressed in an evening dress and enquired if he was going to a ball. (2)VV ~~ Before Lomov told Natalya his purpose for the visit, they were off the point. He starts telling her that he has known his family for avery long time. He also tells her how he inherited his land and how he respects her father. He tells Natalya that his Oxen Meadows touch Natalya's Birchwood. On hearing this, Natalya says that the Oxen Meadows are theirs. Argument Regarding Land Ownership Natalya gets serious and tells him that Oxen Meadows do not belong to him. They actually belong to them. Lomov clarifies that he is talking about the Oxen Meadows that are between her Birchwoods and Burnt marsh. Natalya insists that they are theirs. Lomov refuses it. He tells her that his aunt's grandmother gave those meadows to her father's grandfather. The peasants used the land for forty years. Argument Continues Between Natalya and Lomov Natalya refuses and sticks on her point that those Meadows are theirs. Lomov on the other hand says that he has the documents to prove that it is his land. Natalya tells him that they had that land for nearly 300 years now. Both of them continue fighting over the ownership of the land. Lomov offers to make a present of them to Natalya. She also says that she can make a present of them to him, They start shouting at each other. Chubukov Takes Natalya's le Chubukov also enters the room. Natalya asks him to tell Lomov that the Oxen Meadows are owned by them. Chubukov also supports Natalya and regards the meadows as theirs. Lomov refuses. Chubukov says that by shouting Lomov cannot prove that the Oxen Meadows are owned by him. Chubukov accuses Lomov by saying that he cannot talk to him so disrespectfully as he is twice of his age. Lomov says that he is calling his land as his and wants him to speak to him politely. He calls Chubukov a land grabber. Lomov threatens that he would take Chubukov to the court. A lot of abuses are exchanged between them. Chubukov says that Lomov's grandfather was a drunkard. His younger aunt Nastasya ran away with an architect. Lomov felt that he was dying so he could not say anything at that time. Natalya also calls Lomov a rascal. Chubukov calls him a villain and a scarecrow. He also calls him a monster who has the courage to propose.yb”: Chubukoy Tells Natalya the Purpose of Lomovy's Visit As soon as Lomov leaves their home, Chubukov tells Natalya that he came to propose her. Hearing the word ‘propose’, Natalya enquires him. Chubukov tells her that Lomov had come there to propose Natalya for marriage. Hearing this, Natalya starts crying. She asks Chubukov to. bring Lomov back at once. Fight Over the Dogs Lomov enters again. Natalya begs to be excused. They shift their talks to the dogs as Natalya tells him that the Oxen Meadows are his. They now talk about the dogs. Lomov tells Natalya that his best dog costed him 125 roubles. Natalya says that it is too much. She tells him that her father had given just 85 roubles for the Squeezer (her dog). She says that Squeezer is better than his dog. Lomov refuses and says that his lower jaw is shorter than his upper jaw. Natalya says that Squeezer is of the finest pedigree. They both continue fighting over the breed of their dogs. Chubukov enters and enquires about the matter. Chubukov also says that Lomov's dog is. old and short. Lomoy Drops to the Ground Lomov suddenly falls. Natalya asks her father what has happened to him. Chubukov thinks that he has difficulty in breathing. Natalya feels Lomov is dead. Chubukov then calls for water as well as a doctor. Chubukov Asks Lomoy to Marry Natalya Chubukov seems helpless. He starts accusing himself. He asks for a knife and a pistol. He calls himself the most unhappy of men. Lomov starts reviving. Lomov says that he sees stars. He asks where he is. Chubukov says that he should hurry up and marry Natalya. He also tells him that she is willing to marry him, Natalya becomes extremely happy on hearing this. Chubukov also feels happy and offers some champagne for this occasion. (4)